Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express the verb “smell” in Japanese. Whether you’re looking to enhance your language skills or simply curious about Japanese vocabulary, this guide will provide you with various expressions, tips, and examples to help you master the art of describing scents. Let’s explore the formal and informal ways to talk about smells in Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When it comes to formal settings, such as business or official interactions, it’s essential to use proper honorific language. Here are some formal ways to convey the concept of “smell” in Japanese:
1. におい (Nioi)
The most common and versatile term for “smell” in Japanese is “におい” (nioi). This word can be used in both formal and informal situations. For example:
あの花のにおいがとても良いです。
(Ano hana no nioi ga totemo ii desu.)
The scent of that flower is very pleasant.
2. かぐ (Kagu)
In more formal contexts, using the verb “かぐ” (kagu) can express the act of smelling. Here’s an example:
新しい香水をかぎました。
(Atarashii kōsui o kakimashita.)
I smelled a new perfume.
Informal Expressions:
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, some informal expressions for “smell” become more common. Let’s explore a few of these expressions:
1. におう (Niou)
“におう” (niou) is the casual form of “におい” (nioi). This verb is more commonly used when referring to personal body odors.
- この料理は美味しそうにおっているね。
(Kono ryōri wa oishisō niotteiru ne.)
This dish smells delicious. - なんかいい匂いがしてくるよ。
(Nanka ii nioi ga shitekuru yo.)
I smell something good.
2. かいだ (Kaida)
In informal contexts, the verb “かいだ” (kaida) can be used to indicate smelling. Here’s an example:
- 友達の新しい香水をかいだ。
(Tomodachi no atarashii kōsui o kaida.)
I smelled my friend’s new perfume.
Additional Tips and Examples:
Here are some additional tips and examples to further expand your knowledge on expressing smells in Japanese:
1. Describing Intensity:
In Japanese, you can describe the intensity or strength of a smell by using adjectives. For instance:
- 強いにおい (Tsuyoi nioi) – Strong smell
- 薄いにおい (Usuai nioi) – Faint smell
- いいにおい (Ii nioi) – Good smell
- 悪いにおい (Warui nioi) – Bad smell
2. Smelling Something for the First Time:
If you want to express smelling something for the first time, you can use phrases like “初めてかぐ” (hajimete kagu) or “初めて嗅いだ” (hajimete kaīda). For example:
- 初めてかいた香りにびっくりした。
(Hajimete kaita kaori ni bikkuri shita.)
I was surprised by the scent I smelled for the first time.
3. Comparing Smells:
To compare smells, you can use the structure “AのにおいとBのにおいを比べる” (A no nioi to B no nioi o kuraberu). Here’s an example:
- りんごのにおいとオレンジのにおいを比べる。
(Ringono nioi to orenji no nioi o kuraberu.)
To compare the smell of an apple and an orange.
With all these expressions, you can now confidently talk about smells in Japanese. Remember to adapt your language to the appropriate level of formality based on the situation. Happy learning!
